§ Mr. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of the different holiday pattern in Scotland, he will make a statement outlining alternative arrangements for Scottish industry 332W in respect of the number of days to be worked to 31st December.
§ Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, following his statement on energy supplies on 13th December, he has received any representations regarding the discrimination of Scottish industry, some of which may only be able to operate on five days in the three weeks from 17th December to 5th January 1974 while industry in England and Wales are permitted by the regulations to operate on eight days in the same period; and if he will make a statement on his intentions in this situation.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanI have considered representations about the holiday period in Scotland and the effect of the five days on which electricity may be used in the fortnight beginning 17th December.
On 18th December the Electricity (Industrial and Commercial Use) (Control) (Amendment) Order 1973 was laid, the effect of which is that in Scotland the limitation is to eight days within the period of 21 days beginning on 17th December 1973 and ending on 6th January 1974.